Where it all started?

[cheapracer]

This is the car that went on to be the Atom and probably the reason we are gathered here today. I think I saw that Karlo had been looking for this picture, please feel free to correct me Karlo and/or delete/change this post.

From Wiki (how did the world turn before Youtube and Wiki?)...
"The Atom began as a student project by Coventry University transport design student, Nik Smart. Known then as the LSC (Lightweight Sports Car), it was developed at the university in 1996 with input and funding from various automotive industry members, including British Steel and TWR. Ariel Motor Company boss Simon Saunders was a senior lecturer whose responsibility for the project was primarily as financial manager and design critic for Smart, whom he described as "The best all-round design student I've ever seen." The car was first shown publicly at the British International Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham in October 1996."

[Chadillac]

So basically, Simon Saunder took this student's design, slapped some thicker tires, changed the nose and the intake and has sold it as the Atom. I sure hope Simon Saunders gave some of the money that he's earned from the Atom to Nik Smart.

I think Nik Smart's last name suits him very well.

[cheapracer]

I think Nik Smart's last name suits him very well.

That would depend on his relationship with Saunders now!

[bolus]

more pics of the version after the LSC before the Atom 1

[Karlo]

See First Exo Car Thread below.

http://www.exocars.net/showthread.php?t=125

[Gage]

Yes, the subject was also brought up on the Atom forum.

The concept was refined and turned into a product by Mr. Saunders.

But... there is nothing new under the sun.

[cheapracer]

Although the Atom looks more refined now I still can't get my head around the single roll bar, twins look much better - IMO.